USA Women’s Water Polo Wins UANA Youth Pan Am Champs, Men Finish Second

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, September 2. THE USA Women capped a perfect run at the UANA Youth Pan American Championship with a 10-6 win over Canada to claim the gold medal. Brianna Daboub scored three goals to lead the offense while Carlee Kapana recorded 13 saves in goal. Team USA turned in a 7-0 record en route to the championship.

Canada led early, posting a 3-2 advantage after the first period. Team USA went ahead 5-4 by halftime and never looked back. They took a 6-4 lead after the third period and then scored four goals in the fourth, two from Alexis Angermund, to take the 10-6 victory.

The United States went 3/4 on power plays and 2/2 on penalties while Canada was 0/6 on power plays and did not attempt a penalty.

“I am very proud of the team and the way they handled themselves in a physical gold medal game,” said USA Head Coach Natalie Benson. “They went down early in the first half and showed confidence and discipline in the way they battled back into the lead. Once we went ahead, the team never looked back. It is always great to win, but even better to win while representing the Stars and Stripes.”

The USA Men took silver at the UANA Youth Pan American Championship after a 9-8 loss to Brazil. Team USA staged a big rally in the third period but it wasn’t enough to take home the title. Kent Inoue scored three goals and Dominick Beaudine recorded nine saves in the loss.

Brazil got off to a hot start with a 3-0 lead after the first and a 5-1 lead at halftime. Team USA battled back in the third, outscoring Brazil 5-1 to even the game at 6-6. Brazil came back in the fourth with three more goals and the United States could only muster two goals, falling 9-8. Team USA went 2/6 on power plays.

“Although we were disappointed in the outcome of the final game, we were very pleased as a staff in the growth of our athletes throughout the course of the tournament,” said USA Head Coach Zac Koerner. “Many athletes competed for the first time internationally and gained invaluable experience. We are very excited to watch these young men grow in their water polo careers.”

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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